Government announces Ita Buttrose as ABC chair
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed Ita Buttrose will become chair of the ABC.
His announcement follows speculation on Monday that Buttrose, a former magazine and newspaper editor, was the leading candidate for the role.
Morrison said Buttrose was an outstanding candidate to steer the ABC as chair: “Ita is an extraordinary Australian who will bring decades of media and management experience to the ABC. I can think of no-one better to lead the national broadcaster.”
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield said Buttrose would be only the second woman to chair the ABC after Dame Leonie Kramer AC DBE in the early 1980s.
“After a difficult period for the ABC, Ita Buttrose is someone Australians know and can trust to chair the national broadcaster,” Minister Fifield said.
Buttrose was the founding editor of Cleo in 1972, and went on to hold senior editorial roles at The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and the Australian Women’s Weekly. Until last year, she was also a co-host of Network Ten’s morning show, Studio 10.
When speculation mounted on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the ABC Buttrose was “an extraordinary Australian”.
“An Australian of the Year, and there have been few people more than Ita that I think have lifted the standards of journalism in this country. I think that says a lot about her character and her abilities,” Morrison said.
The journalist, Paul Kennedy, said the newsroom had been “pretty positive” about the prospect of Buttrose as chair.
Australian media commentator, Mike Carlton, also said he would “give her a chance”.
Cautiously hopeful that Ita might be a halfway decent ABC chair. Her father Charlie was a senior ABC executive, and a good one. She grew up with the culture. I’d be willing to give her a chance. Anyone but that egregious prick Hywood, actually.
— Mike Carlton (@MikeCarlton01) February 25, 2019
On her appointment, Buttrose said: “The ABC is one of the most important cultural and information organisations in Australia and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead it.”
Acting ABC managing director David Anderson said Buttrose would provide valuable strategic leadership at an important time for the national public broadcaster.
“I join with all ABC employees in welcoming Ita Buttrose to this important role,” he said. “Ms Buttrose is an eminent Australian with vast experience as an editor and media executive. Her leadership of the ABC, a highly valued and trusted cultural institution, is welcomed.
“In an era of globalised commercial media, a strong independent ABC is vital. We remain committed to outstanding news and current affairs, hosting conversations that inform the public, and delivering compelling content that is distinctive, high-quality and Australian.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Kirstin Ferguson for her strong commitment to an independent ABC and the ongoing leadership and governance she has provided during her tenure as acting chair.”
Dr Kirstin Ferguson, who will continue as deputy chair, said the ABC Board looked forward to working with Buttrose.
“Ita Buttrose is one of the greats of Australian media – and an iconic, widely admired Australian,” Dr Ferguson said. “She will bring valuable experience to the ABC Board at a time when we will need to make significant strategic and leadership decisions, including the appointment of the new managing director, in coming months.
“I am honoured to work with her in my capacity as deputy chair and I know the entire board looks forward to working with Ms Buttrose on critical issues facing the ABC.”
The confirmation from the Cabinet marks the end of a five month search for a chair, after Justin Milne was forced to step down amid internal and external pressures. Milne was supposed to chair the ABC until 2021, however resigned after it emerged he was seen to have pressured the recently sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie to “get rid” of prominent journalist Emma Alberici. At the time, questions were raised about political interference at the ABC and staff passed unanimous motions demanding he stand aside.
A managing director for the ABC has not been appointed, after it sacked Guthrie in September. Guthrie is currently suing the ABC, alleging it breached the Fair Work Act (2009).
Is that really the best Australia can do?
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Nothing at all against Ita (I actually think she might be good for the role), but that this decision has been made politically, and largely to make a political point about women for the coalition, is disgusting.
The process needs changing. It needs to be on merit, and it needs to be politically neutral.
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Morrison Buttrose was an outstanding candidate to steer the ABC as chair: “Ita is an extraordinary Australian who will bring decades of media and management experience to the ABC. I can think of no-one better to lead the national broadcaster.”
Typo
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Thanks Gary, we’ve corrected that error.
Regards,
Paul Wallbank
What exactly is your problem with appointing a chairperson who has nearly 50 years experience in the Australian media landscape as a journalist, commentator, and influencer who is passionate about our country, its people and stories.
Would you have preferred some merchant banking board professional, former politician or academic? The fact that Hywood was even considered after systematically destroying Fairfax, Australia’s most influential media company for the last 176 years is an insult to every Australian who pays taxes to keep the ABC running.
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I think this is very good news. Ita Buttrose should have been in this seat much earlier, but now is just fine. Ms. Buttrose is one of the most experienced media women in Australia, perhaps the most experienced. I wish her every success and long may she reign.
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It just may be. I can’t suggest anyone better, can you?
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Totally agree.
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…Michael Ebeid.
Looks like the Eastern suburbs cheer squad is full cry…
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It never occurred to me she was appointed because she is a woman. I assumed it was because of her obvious media experience and ability and because she connects strongly with the values of middle Australia. Duh !
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hear hear!!!
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“only the second woman to chair” – Welcome to 2019, ABC and enormous congratulations to Ita.
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Ita is no doubt a fine choice, and since she’s been accepted the government will abandon all normal practices for appointments and just let Snotty choose in future. Look through the cloud of Chanel people this is not about Ita it’s about subverting democratic process.
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I find it strange the government abandoned their own process for Morrison to make his own decision. That makes the process entirely political and even if she is the best candidate this ensures she will always have that hanging over her tenure.
Also it seems to me the challenges of the ABC are three fold. Renewal, digital/product development and holding he government at bay. I’m not sure Ita has much to contribute here. Surely they could have found someone with a more digital background.
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geez Anon, get your FFX history straight – Hywood was picking up the pieces of a Fairfax destroyed by Prof Fred Hilmer, the ex-McKinseyite CEO who coined the notorious “content maker” phrase but failed to capitalise on the opportunities provided by the Rivers of Gold, which were easily diverted by Seek and realestate.com.au
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Groucho, I fear your prejudices are showing, and with all due respect for your right to an opinion, I don’t think it’s a very well informed opinion.
P.S. Forget the Chanel, the people who agree with this, are more likely to be looking through a cloud of Yardley and Old Spice.
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8+ years (2010-2018) is a long time to be picking up the pieces of a predecessor who had ceased being the CEO (1998-2005) over 5 years prior to his appointment.
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No-one has really justified this decision.
A political appointment with no TV experience.
This place is looking more corrupt every day.
Back to your pilates, cheer squad.
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Richard how generous of you to grant me, and I assume others, to a right to an opinion. Particularly if it differs from yours. However for yours to be worth anything you probably need to actually back it up rather than just stating mine is “ not very well informed “. Morrison’s appointment is an abuse of process, a point noted by many commentators who have actually earned the right to have an opinion.
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A sound choice. Best of luck Ita x
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Hiring the person most associated with trashy women’s mags as the head of the ABC is like hiring the coalition to look after the great barrier reef, refuges or even the elderly.
I’m out.
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Sorry, Groucho,
I must have missed your “back up” to [quote] “this is not about Ita it’s about subverting democratic process” [unquote] and also [quote] “government will abandon all normal practices for appointments and just let Snotty choose in future” [unquote]
I can understand you wanting to begin your reply by taking a swipe at me, but I did not “grant” you anything, I simply paid respect to your absolute right to an opinion.
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Hopefully she will be able to return it to our ABC not some terrible Bclass station as my dad called the commercial stations.
No adverts, station Id’s screaming sports commentators day and night.
Give us unbiased news , information, and great coverage , like now, if a disaster is happening.
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Every day and every night, She’s the only one we can depend upon in running the ABC competently.
She’ll drain the Cultural Marxist swamp that was once a free and fair servant of Australian viewers and listeners.
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It’s fabulous also seeing someone get a top job like this aged 77. When many organisations are reluctant to recruit anybody over 45.
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